U.S. patent application number 11/241491 was filed with the patent office on 2007-04-05 for report generation system with speech output.
This patent application is currently assigned to Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.. Invention is credited to Clifton H. Bromley, Eric G. Dorgelo, Kevin G. Gordon, Douglas J. Reichard, Marc D. Semkow, Shafin A. Virji.
Application Number | 20070078655 11/241491 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37902929 |
Filed Date | 2007-04-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070078655 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Semkow; Marc D. ; et
al. |
April 5, 2007 |
Report generation system with speech output
Abstract
A text- or data-to-speech architecture that communicates speech
to a user based on data and/or input text. In an industrial
automation environment, the input text can be generated by the
automation system from alarm logs, notification messages, status
messages, operational parameters, current alarm conditions,
production numbers, work orders to be executed, planned maintenance
information, and messages from other people, for example. A system
is provided that includes a conversion component that receives text
and converts the text into an audible format, and a speech
component that receives the audible format and presents (or
outputs) the text as recognizable speech. The speech component can
include a text-to-speech engine that processes the audible format
into recognizable speech signals that are then presented to a
recipient.
Inventors: |
Semkow; Marc D.; (Burnaby,
CA) ; Bromley; Clifton H.; (New Westminister, CA)
; Dorgelo; Eric G.; (Port Moody, CA) ; Gordon;
Kevin G.; (Annacis Island Delta, CA) ; Reichard;
Douglas J.; (Fairview, OH) ; Virji; Shafin A.;
(Vancouver, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC./(AT)
ATTENTION: SUSAN M. DONAHUE
1201 SOUTH SECOND STREET
MILWAUKEE
WI
53204
US
|
Assignee: |
Rockwell Automation Technologies,
Inc.
Mayfield Heights
OH
|
Family ID: |
37902929 |
Appl. No.: |
11/241491 |
Filed: |
September 30, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
704/258 ;
704/E13.008 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G10L 13/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
704/258 |
International
Class: |
G10L 13/00 20060101
G10L013/00 |
Claims
1. A system that facilitates generation and output speech signals,
comprising: a conversion component that receives and converts text
and/or data of an industrial monitor and control system into an
audio file format; a speech component that receives and converts
the audio file format into speech signals; and an output component
that routes the speech signals to a predesignated user for
presentation as recognizable speech signals.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the audible format is aurally
perceived by the user via at least one of a digital radio, an FM
radio, voice mail, podcast, an MP3 device and streaming audio.
3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a scheduling component
that facilitates generation of scheduling data, the execution of
which delivers the text and/or data to the user at a predetermined
time.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the scheduling data includes a
start time for initiating delivery of the speech signals, a
duration time that indicates a span of time over which the speech
signals are delivered, and an interval time for the number of times
the speech signals are delivered during the time duration.
5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a configuration
component that configures the text and/or data into a document that
is converted into the audio file format by the conversion
component.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the audio file format is an MP3
format.
7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a template library
that includes a plurality of templates each of which defines an
order in which the text and/or data are delivered as speech
signals.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein one of the templates includes
scheduling data.
9. The system of claim 7, wherein one of the templates includes
routing data that routes the speech signals to an output
device.
10. The system of claim 8, wherein the output device is selectable
by the user.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the speech signals are requested
on-demand for output to a device that is selectable by the
user.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the speech signals are requested
on-demand for output to a number of different devices that are
selectable by the user.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein the speech signals are requested
for output to a number of different devices each at different times
and which are selectable by the user.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein the text and/or data are
received from a programmable logic controller.
15. A system that facilitates generation and output of speech
signals, comprising: a conversion component that receives and
converts text and/or data into an audio file format; a
configuration component that configures the text and/or data for
processing; a speech component that receives the audio file format
and presents the text and/or data to a user as recognizable speech
signals; and a scheduling component that generates scheduling data
that is processed to initiate delivery of the speech signals.
16. The system of claim 15, further comprising a template library
of one or more templates that define an ordering of the data and/or
text in a document.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the one or more templates are
processed by the configuration component to obtain metadata that
defines a type of data and/or text that is received, scheduling
data that schedules when the speech signals are delivered to the
user, and routing data.
18. The system of claim 16, wherein one of the templates
facilitates input of text from multiple different sources.
19. The system of claim 15, wherein the text and/or data is
generated from an industrial environment and is converted into the
speech signals for output via a digital radio and a cellular
telephone.
20. The system of claim 15, wherein the speech signals are stored
for output at a later time.
21. The system of claim 15, further comprising a routing component
that routes the speech signals to a user-selected output
device.
22. The system of claim 15, wherein the data and/or text that are
presented on a user interface is converted by the conversion
component for perception as the speech signals by a user.
23. A method of generating speech signals, comprising: receiving
text and/or data; configuring the text and/or data for conversion
processing; converting the text and/or data into an audio file
format; scheduling the audio file format for output processing;
processing the audio file format into the speech signals; and
playing the speech signals to a user.
24. The method of claim 23, further comprising an act of
prioritizing input of the text and/or data into a template based in
part upon file size and duration of play.
25. The method of claim 23, further comprising an act of assembling
the text and/or data into a predetermined order before the act of
converting.
26. The method of claim 23, further comprising an act of routing
the speech signals to an FM radio to facilitate the act of
playing.
27. The method of claim 23, further comprising an act of routing
the speech signal over a cellular network for perception by the
user via a cellular telephone.
28. The method of claim 23, further comprising an act of routing
the speech signals to another user at a later time.
29. The method of claim 23, further comprising an act of
automatically determining a user to whom the speech signals are
routed based on location of the user.
30. The method of claim 23, further comprising an act of
automatically determining a user to whom the speech signals are
routed based on a task that is being monitored.
31. The method of claim 23, wherein the text and/or data includes
at least one of current alarm conditions, production numbers, work
order to be executed, planned maintenance information, and messages
for another person.
32. A system that generates speech signals, comprising: means for
receiving text and/or data; means for configuring the text and/or
data for conversion processing; means for converting the text
and/or data into an audio file format; means for scheduling the
audio file format for output processing; means for processing the
audio file format into the speech signals; means for automatically
routing the speech signals to a user who is associated with a
specific location; and means for playing the speech signals to the
user.
Description
TECHNICAL STATEMENT
[0001] This invention relates to text-to-speech technology, and
more specifically, to architecture that converts data and/or text
to speech signals, and routes the speech signals to one or more
devices and systems.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The rapid evolution of electronics has in many ways changed
the way people interact with tools. No longer are tools simply a
hammer or a screwdriver. Rather tools with integrated electronics
have become far more sophisticated to operate and general to
interact with. For example, the principal tool nowadays can be a
computer or a handheld portable wireless device. HMI (human-machine
interface) is a technology that seeks to describe this
human-machine intercept.
[0003] Conventional HMI/automation control systems are limited in
their capability to make users aware of situations that require
their attention or of information that may be of interest to them
relative to their current tasks. Where such mechanisms do exist,
they tend to be either overly intrusive (e.g., interrupting the
user's current activity by "popping up" an alarm display on top of
whatever they were currently looking at) or not informative enough
(e.g., indicating that something requires the user's attention but
not providing sufficient information about what requires their
attention). In many cases, the user must navigate to another
display (e.g., a "detail screen", "alarm summary" or "help screen")
to determine the nature of the information or even to determine
whether such information exists.
[0004] Moreover, oftentimes people want a synopsis of what is
happening in the facility or what tasks are planned for the
immediate future. However, those people could be driving to work or
doing a task that does not allow them to read or look at visual
information. One workaround in light of such limitations is to
phone associates at work and ask to be given an update. However,
this can still be problematic in that the person may not be on
station to provide the desired information.
SUMMARY
[0005] The following presents a simplified summary in order to
provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed
innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is
not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the
scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a
simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that
is presented later.
[0006] Oftentimes people want a synopsis of what is happening in a
facility or what tasks are planned for the immediate future.
However, in such a mobile society, people are driving to work or
doing a task that does not allow them to read or look at visual
information. The subject invention allows this type of mobile user
to receive audible speech information as to the status of a system
at the facility. When employed in an industrial automation
environment, the input text can be generated by the automation
system from alarm logs, notification messages, status messages,
operational parameters, and the like, for example. Other
information that can be converted includes current alarm
conditions, production numbers, work orders to be executed, planned
maintenance information, and messages from other people.
[0007] In another example, it is typical that, from an operator
station that can provide a variety of windows as to systems that
are being controlled, information is continually or periodically
displayed in sidebar areas of the main window. This information can
also be converted and output as speech so that the operator need
not visually scan the associated data, but can focus visual
attention in other areas while listening to the system information
being output via speech. In other environments, there is no limit
to the types of information that can be converted and output as
speech. For example, stock quotes can be retrieved and output as
speech to a recipient via radio signals as they are driving a
vehicle, or output as speech via a telephone.
[0008] Additionally, the type and source of information can be
determined by the person receiving the information, the location of
the facility or system, and task being monitored, for example.
Another user of the system can also designate information of
interest to a specific person/role/next shift.
[0009] In another aspect of the subject invention the speech output
can be scheduled for delivery at predetermined times for perception
by the user.
[0010] In yet another aspect, the speech output can be routed to
selected output devices and/or systems at the predetermined times,
or at any time.
[0011] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends,
certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are
described herein in connection with the following description and
the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but
a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein
can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and
their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become
apparent from the following detailed description when considered in
conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a system that facilitates report
generation and output in accordance with an innovative aspect.
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a methodology of generating
text-to-speech output of a report.
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a system that receives and processes data
from various types of data sources in accordance with another
aspect.
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a system that receives and processes data
from various types of data sources to output speech in accordance
with another aspect.
[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates a system that employs a template library
that can be accessed for ordering data/text for speech output in
accordance with another aspect.
[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates a methodology of providing templates as a
means of ordering speech output in accordance with the disclosed
innovation.
[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates a system that employs a routing component
to route the speech signals to an output device in accordance with
another aspect.
[0019] FIG. 8 illustrates a methodology of routing speech output in
accordance with an innovative aspect.
[0020] FIG. 9 illustrates a system that employs a scheduling
component for scheduling various aspects of text-to-speech
processing in accordance with another aspect.
[0021] FIG. 10 illustrates a methodology of scheduling speech
output in accordance with an innovative aspect.
[0022] FIG. 11 illustrates a screenshot of a webpage that provides
a user interface at an operator station to monitor and control an
industrial process.
[0023] FIG. 12 illustrates a system that distribute text-to-speech
to different types of devices.
[0024] FIG. 13 illustrates a block diagram of a computer operable
to execute the disclosed architecture.
[0025] FIG. 14 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an
exemplary computing environment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The innovation is now described with reference to the
drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like
elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of
explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident,
however, that the innovation can be practiced without these
specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and
devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a
description thereof.
[0027] As used in this application, the terms "component" and
"system" are intended to refer to a computer-related entity, either
hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or
software in execution. For example, a component can be, but is not
limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, a
hard disk drive, multiple storage drives (of optical and/or
magnetic storage medium), an object, an executable, a thread of
execution, a program, and/or a computer. By way of illustration,
both an application running on a server and the server can be a
component. One or more components can reside within a process
and/or thread of execution, and a component can be localized on one
computer and/or distributed between two or more computers.
[0028] As used herein, the terms "to infer" and "inference" refer
generally to the process of reasoning about or inferring states of
the system, environment, and/or user from a set of observations as
captured via events and/or data. Inference can be employed to
identify a specific context or action, or can generate a
probability distribution over states, for example. The inference
can be probabilistic--that is, the computation of a probability
distribution over states of interest based on a consideration of
data and events. Inference can also refer to techniques employed
for composing higher-level events from a set of events and/or data.
Such inference results in the construction of new events or actions
from a set of observed events and/or stored event data, whether or
not the events are correlated in close temporal proximity, and
whether the events and data come from one or several event and data
sources.
[0029] While certain ways of displaying information to users are
shown and described with respect to certain figures as screenshots,
those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that various other
alternatives can be employed. The terms "screen," "web page," and
"page" are generally used interchangeably herein. The pages or
screens are stored and/or transmitted as display descriptions, as
graphical user interfaces, or by other methods of depicting
information on a screen (whether personal computer, PDA, mobile
telephone, or other suitable device, for example) where the layout
and information or content to be displayed on the page is stored in
memory, database, or another storage facility.
[0030] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a
system 100 that facilitates report generation and output in
accordance with an innovative aspect. The system 100 can include a
conversion component 102 that receives text of the report and
converts the text into an audible format, and a speech component
104 that receives the audible format and presents (or outputs) the
text as recognizable speech. The speech component 104 can include a
text-to-speech engine (not shown) that processes the audible format
into recognizable speech signals that are then presented to a
recipient. The recipient can then determine when to listen to the
message.
[0031] Oftentimes people want a synopsis of what is happening in a
facility or what tasks are planned for the immediate future.
However, in such a mobile society, people are driving to work or
doing a task that does not allow them to read or look at visual
information. The subject invention allows this type of mobile user
to receive audible speech information as to the status of a system
at the facility. When employed in an industrial automation
environment, the input text can be generated by the automation
system from alarm logs, notification messages, status messages,
operational parameters, and the like, for example. Other
information that can be converted includes current alarm
conditions, production numbers, work orders to be executed, planned
maintenance information, and messages from other people.
[0032] In another example, it is typical that, from an operator
station that can provide a variety of windows as to systems that
are being controlled, information is continually or periodically
displayed in sidebar areas of the main window. This information can
also be converted and output as speech so that the operator need
not scan the associated data, but can focus visual attention in
other areas while listening to the system information being output
via speech. In other environments, there is no limit to the types
of information that can be converted and output as speech. For
example, stock quotes can be retrieved and output as speech to a
recipient via radio signals as they are driving a vehicle, or
output as speech via a telephone.
[0033] Additionally, the type and source of information can be
determined by the person receiving the information, the location of
the facility or system, and task being monitored, for example.
Another user of the system can also designate information of
interest to a specific person/role/next shift.
[0034] This system 100 facilitates the creation of an audible
report that can be listened to via digital radio, voice mail,
podcast (a method of publishing audio broadcasts via the Internet,
allowing users to subscribe to a feed of new files such as usually
MP3's), an MP3 device, or streaming audio, for example.
Additionally, the content can be generated from pre-configured
reports, which will be described in greater detail infra. The
system 100 can also create the file that contains the requested
information on demand or on schedule.
[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates a methodology of generating
text-to-speech output of a report. While, for purposes of
simplicity of explanation, the one or more methodologies shown
herein, e.g., in the form of a flow chart or flow diagram, are
shown and described as a series of acts, it is to be understood and
appreciated that the subject innovation is not limited by the order
of acts, as some acts may, in accordance therewith, occur in a
different order and/or concurrently with other acts from that shown
and described herein. For example, those skilled in the art will
understand and appreciate that a methodology could alternatively be
represented as a series of interrelated states or events, such as
in a state diagram. Moreover, not all illustrated acts may be
required to implement a methodology in accordance with the
innovation. At 200, data or text is received from a source. At 202,
the data or text is converted into an audio format. At 204, the
audio format is output as recognizable speech.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is illustrated a system 300
that receives and processes data from various types of data sources
302 in accordance with another aspect. The system 300 can include
the conversion component 102 and speech component 104 of FIG. 1
that receive and process textual input to ultimately output
corresponding speech. In this implementation, the sources 302
include a log file 304, a report 306, and a datasource 308. The
datasource 308 can be any kind of device (e.g., PLC-programmable
logic controller), software, or system that outputs data (or text)
which can be converted into text, and then to speech. For example,
the datasource 308 can include a user interface (UI) that displays
both graphical and textual information to a station operator in an
industrial environment. The graphical information, textual
information, and/or alphanumeric data displayed via the UI can be
converted into speech for perception by a recipient.
[0037] Here, all or portions of data and/or text from one or more
of the sources 302 are entered into an intermediary document 310.
The document 310 is then processed by the conversion component 102
into an audible file format for processing by the speech component
104, the output of which is speech. The document 310 can be of a
predesigned format such as a template wherein data is directed to
specific areas therein. For example, the document 310 may begin by
requesting that log data be placed first or at the top, followed by
report data, and then ending with datasource data. The document 310
can be any document format (e.g., XML) insofar as it is suitable
for conversion into an audio file format.
[0038] FIG. 4 illustrates a system 400 that receives and processes
data from various types of data sources 302 to output speech in
accordance with another aspect. The system 400 includes a
configuration component 402 that facilitates configuration of data
and/or text into the document 310 for conversion into speech. The
configuration component 402 facilitates placement of the data/text
into the document in any manner desired by the user. Once
configured the data is passed to the conversion component 102 where
it is converted into an audio format. The speech component 104
includes a text-to-speech engine 404 that receives the audio format
and converts it into speech signals for output to the user. Note
that the configuration component 402 can include a prioritization
algorithm that prioritizes what data/text should be inserted into
the document 310, where there is more data/text then room on the
document. For example, it can be appreciated that the document
and/or document file size can be a factor that is considered in the
conversion and output process such that a document or file that is
too large will be rejected or slow down the conversion and delivery
of the text as speech to the end user. Thus, a rejected document or
file can be re-processed to reduce the size such that more
efficient conversion and delivery can be provided.
[0039] FIG. 5 illustrates a system 500 that employs a template
library 502 that can be accessed for ordering data/text for speech
output in accordance with another aspect. The library 502 can
include any number of templates 504 that are selectable for various
types of input data/text and/or output format or order of the
desired speech. For example, if the user chooses to access log
information 304, a first template 506 designed only for processing
log information 304 can be retrieved from the template library 502
into the configuration component 402 for receiving log information
in the desired format of the first template 506.
[0040] Similarly, if the user chooses to access report information
306 of a specific industrial process, a second template 508 of the
template library 502 can be retrieved by the configuration
component 402 for receiving the report information in the format of
the second template 508. Further, if the user chooses a mix of
different sources of information, a third template 510 of the
template library 502 can be retrieved by the configuration
component 402 for receiving both log information 304 and report
information 306 in the order required according to the third
template 510. In all cases, once the template has been filled with
information, it is passed as the document 310 to the conversion
component 102 for conversion into an audible format (e.g., WAV
file, MP3 file, . . . ) that can be processed into speech by the
speech component 104. It is to be appreciated that there can be
many types of templates for structuring the text for speech output.
A default set of templates can be provided along with software that
allows a user to custom design templates for specific
applications.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 6, there is illustrated a methodology
of providing templates as a means of ordering speech output in
accordance with the disclosed innovation. At 600, text and/or data
are received from a source. At 602, a template is selected for
structuring the data and/or text. At 604, the configuration
component processes the template to access configuration data
associated therewith in order to receive and direct the data and/or
text according to the template structure. At 606, the configuration
component assembles the text and/or data into the document. At 608,
the document is passed to the conversion component of conversion
into an audible or audio format. At 610, the speech component
receives and processes the audible or audio format into speech and
presents the speech to the user.
[0042] FIG. 7 illustrates a system 700 that employs a routing
component to route the speech signals to an output device in
accordance with another aspect. Here, the system 700 employs an
output component 702 which includes the speech component 104 and a
routing component 704. The routing component 704 receives the
speech output and routes the output to the desire output device.
The output device or system can be included as part of the template
data or setup. For example, if the user chooses to receive an
update on log information 304, the appropriate template 506 is
received from the template library 502 into the configuration
component 402 and the log information 304 is received thereinto to
form the document 310. The document 310 is passed to the conversion
component 102 which converts the log information into the audio
format. The audio format is passed to the output component 702
along with the routing information that is included in the template
506. The speech component 104 processes the audio format into
speech, and the routing component receives the routing information
and processes it to determine the ultimate destination to send the
speech output.
[0043] FIG. 8 illustrates a methodology of routing speech output in
accordance with an innovative aspect. At 800, text is received form
a source. At 802, a template is selected from the template library.
At 804, configuration data associated with the template for
assembling and ordering the text is extracted by the configuration
component. At 806, the text is assembled and ordered into a
document according to the configuration information. At 808, the
output device and/or system(s) are selected. It is to be
appreciated that the user can select not only a single device for
output, but multiple same or different devices. At 810, once
filled, the template is passed as a document to the conversion
component for conversion into an audio file. The audio file is then
processed by the speech component into speech signals, as indicated
at 812. At 814, the speech signals are then routed to the selected
system(s).
[0044] FIG. 9 illustrates a system 900 that employs a scheduling
component 902 for scheduling various aspects of text-to-speech
processing in accordance with another aspect. Here, the system 900
employs the scheduling component 902 to initiate speech output at
predetermined times. For example, a user can schedule to hear log
updates at 8:30 AM each morning as he drives to work, the
corresponding log speech being output via a car radio or digital
satellite radio system. In operation, the log information 304 is
received into the configuration component 402, and into a template
selected by the user from the template library 502. Once all the
log information is present in the template, scheduling information
can be attached or associated as metadata of the document 310,
which is then passed to the conversion component 102 for converting
into the audio file. The output component 702 receives the
converted audio file and processes it into speech signals via the
speech component 104. The routing component 704 then processes the
speech signals for routing to designated devices, but according to
the scheduling information originally associated with document 310.
When the time arrives, the routing component 704 executes delivery
of the speech signals to the selected output devices and/or
systems.
[0045] Similarly, the user can schedule to hear sidebar data
reports from the datasource 308 beginning at 9:30 AM and running at
30-second intervals for two minutes, each morning as he drives to
work, the corresponding report speech being output via an MP3
player system. In operation, the data reports information 308 is
received into the configuration component 402, and into a template
selected by the user from the template library 502. Once all the
data reports information is present in the template, scheduling
information can be attached or associated as metadata of the
document 310, which is then passed to the conversion component 102
for converting into an MP3 audio file. This format can be selected
and passed as document metadata from the configuration component
402 to the conversion component 102. The output component 702
receives the converted audio file and processes it into speech
signals via the speech component 104. The routing component 704
then processes the speech signals for routing to a designated MP3
device, but according to the scheduling information originally
associated with document 310. When the time arrives, the routing
component 704 executes delivery of the speech signals to the
selected output MP3 device, and according to the interval and
duration information.
[0046] FIG. 10 illustrates a methodology of scheduling speech
output in accordance with an innovative aspect. At 1000, the user
schedules the desired output. At 1002, the desired text is received
for a source. At 1004, the system determines if the appointed time
has arrived. If not, flow is to 1006 where the data can be either
stored or discarded. Flow is then back to 1000 to process the next
schedule. The act of storing can be a caching process that caches
the data in anticipation of the data being requested again in the
very near future. After a predetermined period of time, the data
can be aged out of memory. If, at 1004, the time has arrived, flow
is to 1008 where a report template is selected. At 1010,
configuration data from the template is extracted for assembling
the desired text. At 1012, the text is input into the template or
document in the order required of the template. At 1014, an output
device is selected to receive and present the speech output. At
1016, the text document is passed to the conversion component for
conversion into an audio file format. At 1018, the audio file is
converted into speech and output via the selected device(s).
[0047] FIG. 11 illustrates a screenshot of a webpage 1100 that
provides a user interface at an operator station to monitor and
control an industrial process. The webpage 1100 can include a
central viewing area 1102 that presents more important aspects of a
process or operation under control. The page 1100 can also include
sidebar areas: a first sidebar area 1104 that can display data
related to a peripheral aspect of the process, and a second sidebar
area 1106 that presents other data related to a part of the
operation being controlled, for example. In one implementation, the
central viewing area 1102 is perceived visually, while the sidebar
areas (1104 and 1106) can be perceived aurally. In any case, data
and/or text of any of the areas (1102, 1104, and 1006) can be
selected for import into a template and ultimate conversion into
speech signals for output to one or more selected output devices
and/or systems.
[0048] FIG. 12 illustrates a system 1200 that distribute
text-to-speech to different types of devices. The text and/or data
are received into the conversion component 102 for conversion into
an audio file. The audio file is passed to the speech component 104
for conversion into speech signals and then to a communications
interface 1202 for communications processing over one or more
communications networks 1204. The communications network 1204 can
be any of a number of different types of networks, for example, an
IP packet-based network such as the Internet, a mobile
communications network (e.g., 2G, 3G, . . . ) and, RF and digital
radio networks, for example. It is to be appreciated that any
communications network over which speech signals can be
communicated is to be considered as to be within contemplation of
the communications network 1204. For example, the communications
network 1204 can include technology that facilitates delivery of
the speech signals wirelessly to a cellular telephone 1206, a PDA
1208, and over a wired connection to a tablet PC, and wireless FM
or AM to an FM/AM radio 1212 and/or digital radio signals to the
digital radio 1212.
[0049] Referring now to FIG. 13, there is illustrated a block
diagram of a computer operable to execute the disclosed
architecture. In order to provide additional context for various
aspects thereof, FIG. 13 and the following discussion are intended
to provide a brief, general description of a suitable computing
environment 1300 in which the various aspects of the innovation can
be implemented. While the description above is in the general
context of computer-executable instructions that may run on one or
more computers, those skilled in the art will recognize that the
innovation also can be implemented in combination with other
program modules and/or as a combination of hardware and
software.
[0050] Generally, program modules include routines, programs,
components, data structures, etc., that perform particular tasks or
implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, those skilled
in the art will appreciate that the inventive methods can be
practiced with other computer system configurations, including
single-processor or multiprocessor computer systems, minicomputers,
mainframe computers, as well as personal computers, hand-held
computing devices, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer
electronics, and the like, each of which can be operatively coupled
to one or more associated devices.
[0051] The illustrated aspects of the innovation may also be
practiced in distributed computing environments where certain tasks
are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through
a communications network. In a distributed computing environment,
program modules can be located in both local and remote memory
storage devices.
[0052] A computer typically includes a variety of computer-readable
media. Computer-readable media can be any available media that can
be accessed by the computer and includes both volatile and
non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of
example, and not limitation, computer-readable media can comprise
computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage
media includes both volatile and non-volatile, removable and
non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for
storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data
structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media
includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or
other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital video disk (DVD) or other
optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic
disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium
which can be used to store the desired information and which can be
accessed by the computer.
[0053] Communication media typically embodies computer-readable
instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a
modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport
mechanism, and includes any information delivery media. The term
"modulated data signal" means a signal that has one or more of its
characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode
information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation,
communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or
direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF,
infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of the any of the
above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable
media.
[0054] With reference again to FIG. 13, the exemplary environment
1300 for implementing various aspects includes a computer 1302, the
computer 1302 including a processing unit 1304, a system memory
1306 and a system bus 1308. The system bus 1308 couples system
components including, but not limited to, the system memory 1306 to
the processing unit 1304. The processing unit 1304 can be any of
various commercially available processors. Dual microprocessors and
other multi-processor architectures may also be employed as the
processing unit 1304.
[0055] The system bus 1308 can be any of several types of bus
structure that may further interconnect to a memory bus (with or
without a memory controller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus
using any of a variety of commercially available bus architectures.
The system memory 1306 includes read-only memory (ROM) 1310 and
random access memory (RAM) 1312. A basic input/output system (BIOS)
is stored in a non-volatile memory 1310 such as ROM, EPROM, EEPROM,
which BIOS contains the basic routines that help to transfer
information between elements within the computer 1302, such as
during start-up. The RAM 1312 can also include a high-speed RAM
such as static RAM for caching data.
[0056] The computer 1302 further includes an internal hard disk
drive (HDD) 1314 (e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal hard disk drive
1314 may also be configured for external use in a suitable chassis
(not shown), a magnetic floppy disk drive (FDD) 1316, (e.g., to
read from or write to a removable diskette 1318) and an optical
disk drive 1320, (e.g., reading a CD-ROM disk 1322 or, to read from
or write to other high capacity optical media such as the DVD). The
hard disk drive 1314, magnetic disk drive 1316 and optical disk
drive 1320 can be connected to the system bus 1308 by a hard disk
drive interface 1324, a magnetic disk drive interface 1326 and an
optical drive interface 1328, respectively. The interface 1324 for
external drive implementations includes at least one or both of
Universal Serial Bus (USB) and IEEE 1394 interface technologies.
Other external drive connection technologies are within
contemplation of the subject innovation.
[0057] The drives and their associated computer-readable media
provide nonvolatile storage of data, data structures,
computer-executable instructions, and so forth. For the computer
1302, the drives and media accommodate the storage of any data in a
suitable digital format. Although the description of
computer-readable media above refers to a HDD, a removable magnetic
diskette, and a removable optical media such as a CD or DVD, it
should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other types
of media which are readable by a computer, such as zip drives,
magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, cartridges, and the like,
may also be used in the exemplary operating environment, and
further, that any such media may contain computer-executable
instructions for performing the methods of the disclosed
innovation.
[0058] A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and
RAM 1312, including an operating system 1330, one or more
application programs 1332, other program modules 1334 and program
data 1336. All or portions of the operating system, applications,
modules, and/or data can also be cached in the RAM 1312. It is to
be appreciated that the innovation can be implemented with various
commercially available operating systems or combinations of
operating systems.
[0059] A user can enter commands and information into the computer
1302 through one or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a
keyboard 1338 and a pointing device, such as a mouse 1340. Other
input devices (not shown) may include a microphone, an IR remote
control, a joystick, a game pad, a stylus pen, touch screen, or the
like. These and other input devices are often connected to the
processing unit 1304 through an input device interface 1342 that is
coupled to the system bus 1308, but can be connected by other
interfaces, such as a parallel port, an IEEE 1394 serial port, a
game port, a USB port, an IR interface, etc.
[0060] A monitor 1344 or other type of display device is also
connected to the system bus 1308 via an interface, such as a video
adapter 1346. In addition to the monitor 1344, a computer typically
includes other peripheral output devices (not shown), such as
speakers, printers, etc.
[0061] The computer 1302 may operate in a networked environment
using logical connections via wired and/or wireless communications
to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 1348.
The remote computer(s) 1348 can be a workstation, a server
computer, a router, a personal computer, portable computer,
microprocessor-based entertainment appliance, a peer device or
other common network node, and typically includes many or all of
the elements described relative to the computer 1302, although, for
purposes of brevity, only a memory/storage device 1350 is
illustrated. The logical connections depicted include
wired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 1352
and/or larger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 1354. Such
LAN and WAN networking environments are commonplace in offices and
companies, and facilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such
as intranets, all of which may connect to a global communications
network, e.g., the Internet.
[0062] When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 1302
is connected to the local network 1352 through a wired and/or
wireless communication network interface or adapter 1356. The
adaptor 1356 may facilitate wired or wireless communication to the
LAN 1352, which may also include a wireless access point disposed
thereon for communicating with the wireless adaptor 1356.
[0063] When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 1302
can include a modem 1358, or is connected to a communications
server on the WAN 1354, or has other means for establishing
communications over the WAN 1354, such as by way of the Internet.
The modem 1358, which can be internal or external and a wired or
wireless device, is connected to the system bus 1308 via the serial
port interface 1342. In a networked environment, program modules
depicted relative to the computer 1302, or portions thereof, can be
stored in the remote memory/storage device 1350. It will be
appreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary and
other means of establishing a communications link between the
computers can be used.
[0064] The computer 1302 is operable to communicate with any
wireless devices or entities operatively disposed in wireless
communication, e.g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable
computer, portable data assistant, communications satellite, any
piece of equipment or location associated with a wirelessly
detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk, news stand, restroom), and
telephone. This includes at least Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.TM. wireless
technologies. Thus, the communication can be a predefined structure
as with a conventional network or simply an ad hoc communication
between at least two devices.
[0065] Wi-Fi, or Wireless Fidelity, allows connection to the
Internet from a couch at home, a bed in a hotel room, or a
conference room at work, without wires. Wi-Fi is a wireless
technology similar to that used in a cell phone that enables such
devices, e.g., computers, to send and receive data indoors and out;
anywhere within the range of a base station. Wi-Fi networks use
radio technologies called IEEE 802.11(a, b, g, etc.) to provide
secure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can
be used to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to
wired networks (which use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks
operate in the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands, at an 11 Mbps
(802.11a) or 54 Mbps (802.11b) data rate, for example, or with
products that contain both bands (dual band), so the networks can
provide real-world performance similar to the basic 10BaseT wired
Ethernet networks used in many offices.
[0066] Referring now to FIG. 14, there is illustrated a schematic
block diagram of an exemplary computing environment 1400 in
accordance with another aspect. The system 1400 includes one or
more client(s) 1402. The client(s) 1402 can be hardware and/or
software (e.g., threads, processes, computing devices). The
client(s) 1402 can house cookie(s) and/or associated contextual
information by employing the subject innovation, for example.
[0067] The system 1400 also includes one or more server(s) 1404.
The server(s) 1404 can also be hardware and/or software (e.g.,
threads, processes, computing devices). The servers 1404 can house
threads to perform transformations by employing the invention, for
example. One possible communication between a client 1402 and a
server 1404 can be in the form of a data packet adapted to be
transmitted between two or more computer processes. The data packet
may include a cookie and/or associated contextual information, for
example. The system 1400 includes a communication framework 1406
(e.g., a global communication network such as the Internet) that
can be employed to facilitate communications between the client(s)
1402 and the server(s) 1404.
[0068] Communications can be facilitated via a wired (including
optical fiber) and/or wireless technology. The client(s) 1402 are
operatively connected to one or more client data store(s) 1408 that
can be employed to store information local to the client(s) 1402
(e.g., cookie(s) and/or associated contextual information).
Similarly, the server(s) 1404 are operatively connected to one or
more server data store(s) 1410 that can be employed to store
information local to the servers 1404.
[0069] What has been described above includes examples of the
disclosed innovation. It is, of course, not possible to describe
every conceivable combination of components and/or methodologies,
but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many
further combinations and permutations are possible. Accordingly,
the innovation is intended to embrace all such alterations,
modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope
of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term
"includes" is used in either the detailed description or the
claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar
to the term "comprising" as "comprising" is interpreted when
employed as a transitional word in a claim.
* * * * *